Introduction:
Imagining yourself driving for long and long hours so as to reach a specific destination, either because you are moving, or because you need to have the car transported for a different reason, you’re slowly coming to one realization. The idea of such a ride isn’t exactly appealing. You would much rather sit back and have someone else do it. Well, here’s some good news. You can sit back and let someone else do it.
To be more precise, you can let professionals do it, by using those car shipping costs. If you’ve come across that solution already, you’re now most likely wondering whether it is right for you. And, the prices will play a role in that decision, which is why using a car shipping cost calculator can be quite important. We’ll talk about its role in a bit more detail later.
You’ve thought about working out those costs yourself, haven’t you? Or, you may have even tried it, and then realized that it is quite difficult. Perhaps you have used such a method of calculating the costs in the past, and once the bill actually came, you realized you were way off with the predictions. So, you don’t want the same thing to happen again.
Why is, however, working out those costs so difficult? Why were you way off the first time, and why are you expecting to be way off this time? That’s a question we’ll have to answer for you below, right before explaining how those calculators I’ve mentioned can come to your rescue. So, let’s start explaining things right away.
Why Is Working Out the Costs So Difficult?
You multiply the shipping fee with the distance between the original location of the vehicle and the new destination, and that’s about it, huh? Wouldn’t we all be glad if things were that easy? On the surface, it seems that this should lead to precise calculations and that there is actually nothing else you can add to the formula. But, when you dig a bit deeper, you will understand just why that formula isn’t that accurate.
So, why isn’t the above formula accurate? Simply because there are other factors that have a significant impact on the actual price. Sure, the distance is the main thing that contributes to the overall rate, but it is definitely not the only thing that does it. Assuming that you simply have to know the distance and nothing else is exactly what leads people towards making those wrong calculations. And, the fact that there are other factors to consider makes manual calculations difficult.
What other factors are we referring to here, though? For one thing, there is the vehicle type. Shipping a car and shipping, say, an SUV, is definitely not the same. It is not the same for the professionals doing it, which is why they will charge differently for those two scenarios. In fact, they will charge differently for all the scenarios, that is, all the cars, depending on their size and their weight.
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That’s not all. Whether you will choose an enclosed or perhaps an open carrier will also have an influence on the overall rate. I suppose you get that the enclosed solution is a bit more expensive, given that your vehicle is better protected that way. Both options are safe, though, so the choice is up to you. Click this to get some help in choosing.
Another reason why working out the costs all alone can be difficult is because the dates will impact those as well. This could also be the reason why your calculations were way off the first time, although any of the mentioned factors could have contributed to that as well. Understanding that the price will be different for various dates is important, as it will reduce the surprises when you get the final bill.
Calculator to the Rescue
If you really want to get rid of all of such surprises, and I am guessing you do, because being surprised with how much something costs is never a pleasant experience, provided that the price is higher than you expected, then you’ll have to use a car shipping cost calculator. That tool, as I’ve mentioned already, can come to your rescue and help you get the precise numbers that you want. Pretty neat, isn’t it?
The reason why the numbers will be precise when you use the calculator is because the tool will include all of those factors I’ve mentioned into the calculations. It won’t rely solely on the “distance times fee” formula. And, of course, using the tool provided by the company you want to work with will lead to the most accurate results.
Open vs Enclosed Transport
Car shipping uses two main types of carriers. Open carriers are the most common. Your car travels on an open trailer with other cars. Open transport is cheaper. Enclosed carriers put your car inside a covered trailer. Enclosed transport protects the car from weather, dust, and road debris. According to Consumer Affairs, enclosed transport usually costs 30 to 50 percent more than open transport. Open transport is fine for most cars. Enclosed transport is better for luxury cars, classic cars, and new cars. Both options are safe when the company is licensed and insured.
How Much Does Car Shipping Cost?
Car shipping costs vary a lot. Shipping a car across the country often costs around $1,000 to $2,000. Short trips cost less. The price depends on distance, vehicle size, and the season. Larger and heavier vehicles cost more. Enclosed transport costs more than open transport. Prices rise in summer, when more people move. Prices also rise on popular routes. Get quotes from three or more companies. Compare what each quote includes. The cheapest quote is not always the best. Check what is covered and what is not.
Check the Company Before You Book
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), you should check a transport company before you book. Every legal carrier has a USDOT number. You can check the number and the company’s safety record on the FMCSA website. A broker arranges the transport with a carrier. A carrier moves the vehicle. Brokers must also be registered with the FMCSA. Avoid companies that ask for a large deposit upfront. A small deposit is normal. Read reviews from past customers. A company with many complaints is a warning sign.
Prepare Your Car for Shipping
Prepare your car before the carrier arrives. Remove all personal items from the car. The carrier’s insurance does not cover personal items. Wash the car so you can see its condition. Take photos of the car from all sides. Note any scratches or dents. Keep the fuel tank about one-quarter full. A full tank adds weight. Turn off the car alarm. Remove toll tags and parking passes. Give the driver a spare key. When the car arrives, inspect it again. Compare it with your photos. Report any new damage at once.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a car across the country?
Shipping a car across the country often costs around $1,000 to $2,000. The price depends on distance, vehicle size, season, and whether you choose open or enclosed transport.
What is the difference between open and enclosed transport?
Open transport moves your car on an open trailer. Enclosed transport puts it inside a covered trailer. According to Consumer Affairs, enclosed transport usually costs 30 to 50 percent more.
How do I check a car shipping company?
According to the FMCSA, check the company’s USDOT number and safety record on the FMCSA website. Brokers must also be registered with the FMCSA.
Should I remove personal items before shipping?
Yes. Remove all personal items from the car. The carrier’s insurance does not cover personal items.
What should I do when my car arrives?
Inspect the car at once. Compare it with the photos you took before shipping. Report any new damage to the carrier right away.
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only. Prices, rules, and coverage vary by company and route. Check the FMCSA before you book. Get quotes in writing.
Last Updated: 6 November 2026